Mommy?

Last week I was having one of those days where all 3 of the kids followed me around non-stop. There was whining, screaming, fighting, a bazillion questions, trampling over me, smacking my legs, and on and on. By late afternoon I had hit my boiling point. All I wanted was a little breathing room, some peace and quiet, and for the kids to just go play and leave me alone. I sat down at the computer to check my email and, of course, my 3 little shadows had to come and whine at me some more. I stood up, obviously frustrated at this point, and proceeded to march up the stairs yelling at all of them to leave me alone. I continued to yell at them that I was going to my room and that nobody better dare follow me or else. I slammed my door shut and locked it.
I laid down on my bed and just as I was about to take a deep breath and relax, the knocking started. REALLY? You can't give me 2 seconds to myself?? Just as I was about to jump up and yell some more, I heard Damon's little voice. "Mommy? Mommy? Will you come lay down with me?" He had been feeling sick that day and just wanted me to comfort him and show him some love. He had to ask a couple of times before I realized that the Lord was trying to teach me something. I opened the door and told him I would lay down with him. As he cuddled up to me on the couch, I knew he felt better being close to me. I thought of all the times I have felt bad or gone through difficult trials- how I have "followed" the Savior around all day asking Him to comfort me, bring me peace, or take some pain away. How would I feel if he shut the door and refused to be there for me?
As hard as it can be for me sometimes, I know these little ones need my constant attention. They need me to show them the kind of love and tenderness they can't find anywhere else in this world. I know the Lord is trying to teach me to put my own selfish wants and desires aside....to give my life in service to my family. I am very grateful for children who keep me humble, and who teach me these little daily lessons. As much as I want to think that I am moulding them into the kind of people I want them to be, the reality is that they are the ones who are moulding me into the kind of woman the Lord wants me to be.